AID agreement no. 674-0303-G-SS-1029-00 with International Executive Service Corps, South Africa to expand and strengthen its consulting program for the disadvantaged business community

Consulting services provided by IESC volunteers will be expanded to include support to NGO"s that further the activities of blacks in business and that are controlled by blacks. By year three of the grant, IESC will be assisting 17 organizations. In addition, two black non-volunteer IESC consultants will be provided to serve clients of the Northern Venture Capital Trust (NVCT - a small business support organization, which was previously directly supported by an A.I.D. grant. IESC will also provide assistance in special situations that involve transferring the ownership and control of medium to large enterprises to black hands. This might involve privatization or commercialization of state-controlled enterprises or spinoffs of divisions of private companies. About six such special black economic empowerment projects are expected to receive IESC assistance. IESC will also expand its regular volunteer services to black small businesses. Approximately 1,900 businesses, including clients of the NVCT, will receive practical business and management services. Grant funds will also support improvement of IESC"s general management infrastructure. Objectives are to improve coordination of regional offices and increase sponsorship from other donors.